Understanding Birth

Defects

The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant

mortality.

Birth Defects

Some birth defects happen for no known reason but many birth defects are preventable.

There are many kinds of birth defects...

Cleft Lip/Palate

Before Surgery

After Surgery

Immunizations

X-Rays

Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are dangerous in pregnancy...

Do you really want to

gamble with your baby??

Human Embryo at 4 Weeks

Human Embryo at 8 Weeks

Over the Counter, “Natural” and Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy

Prescription Drugs in Pregnancy

Thalidomide in Pregnancy

Accutane in Pregnancy

This sign means DO NOT take this drug if you are,

or could be pregnant

Illegal Drugs in Pregnancy

Baby born with Gastroschisis (Gastro-skee-sis)

Marijuana in Pregnancy

Smoking in Pregnancy

Alcohol in Pregnancy

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Dad’s Responsibilities

Help your partner make healthy choices: Avoid AlcoholAvoid tobacco smoke Eat nutritious foods Avoid unsafe drugs Avoid dangerous household products Remind her to take vitamins with folateMake sure she gets prenatal care

Drugs, smoking & alcohol can cause Premature Birth

Premature Babies are at Risk for Many Health Problems

Who is at risk for preterm birth?

NICU

Cerebral Palsy

Sexually Transmitted InfectionsDisease Effects Treatment

Chlamydia Miscarriage, premature birth, pneumonia or eye infection in the baby

Antibiotics can cure Chlamydia

Gonorrhea Miscarriage, premature birth, eye, joint or blood infections in baby

Antibiotics can cure Gonorrhea

Syphilis Fetal or infant death, brain damage, blindness, hearing loss

Antibiotics can cure, and baby usually won’t be affected if treated by 4th month of pregnancy

Genital Herpes

Skin sores, severe infection can cause brain damage, blindness, hearing loss and mental retardation in baby

No cure, medicines can treat sores. Doctors can do c-section if there are vaginal sores at time of delivery

STDs

Congenital systemic herpes infection

CT scan of brain after

disseminated herpes infection

HIV

• Women who learn that they carry the virus can get treatment for HIV

• Treatment with antiviral medication dramatically reduces the chance that she will pass HIV on to her babies

CONSEQUENCES

CHOICES

Baby at 30 weeks gestation

Anorexia and Pregnancy

Nutrition

Spina Bifida

Energy drinks may contain

Caffeine (typically the amount in 2.5 Cokes) Ephedrine (stimulant)

Siberian Ginseng (stimulant) Green Tea (caffeine)

Echinacea (herb) Ginkgo Biloba (herb)

St. John's Wort (antidepressant)

Kava Kava (traditional Polynesian sedative)

Many substances are harmful in pregnancy

Make wise choices now for a healthy baby later

Birth Defects

• Cleft Lip/Palate• Downs Syndrome• Cerebral Palsy• Muscular Dystrophy• Sickle Cell Anemia• Spina Bifida• Tay-Sachs Disease• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome • PKU• Cystic Fibrosis